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Windows 7: Problems with appearance and personalization

I've tried to fill in my computer's specifications as fully as possible but some information I just couldn't find. Given this; however, I would still say my computing skills are intermediate.

I bought a new laptop recently which came with Windows 7 pre-installed. Before this I had been using Windows XP for four years. All things considered I find Windows 7 appropriate for what I use my computer for; user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.

The only slight problems I've had are with setting the desktop background to slideshow and changing the picture to my user account. After I started the computer I began altering the design features to my own preference. The first thing which was annoying me was the 'Favorites' and 'Libraries' folders, so I searched Google and removed them via the registry.

After everything else was assembled and transferred I attempted to set the desktop background to shuffle. Yet, when I click on 'Browse...' and locate the My Pictures folder (where the pictures I downloaded were saved) and double click to open it none of the pictures appear. I don't suppose anyone else has stumbled across this problem?

I believe that my second question is related to whatever the problem is with the desktop background. When I go into 'Change Your Picture' and click on 'Browse for more pictures...', nothing happens. Just nothing.

I know I shouldn't have messed with the registry on a brand new computer but my obsessiveness got the best of me. If anyone could help me sort these out I'd be really grateful.

Unfortunately, the worst thing you could have done was mess with the Libraries folders.

Windows 7 uses a system of junction points and symbolic links so that legacy software gets pointed to the right folder. For example, My Documents files for the Windows XP operating system will be pointed to the Users folder in Windows 7.

These junction points are virtual folders so you can't see them, but if you break the link between them and the folder they point to, you've got problems.

I don't suppose you backed up the registry before you went in and removed the keys for your Libraries and Favourites? If you did, just restore the backup.

If you didn't, boot into Safe Mode and do a system restore to a point before you altered the system registry.

What you should have done instead of trying to make Windows 7 work like Windows XP was familiarize yourself with the new features. Libraries is/are one of the best new additions to the operating system....and you simply ripped them out without even giving them a consideration.

Thumbs up MacGyvr.
To the OP. Give Windows 7 and yourself a little time to get to know each other. You will like it. I would also suggest before doing such things get with the good folks here and ask for information.

Thanks for the replies everybody; of the many forums I've posted on this seems like one of the most helpful around.

MacGyvr and Layback Bear: you both speak the truth. I've been on Windows 7 now for about ten days and, as I tried to say in my original post, really enjoy the user compatibility. It is a great improvement on Windows XP. Since my original modifications I re-edited the registry and I'd agree - Libraries is a fantastic feature. However, my initial impatience got the best of me and that's what brings me to the forums.

I'll do a system restore tomorrow before I leave for work then and hope for the best. It may not be surprising to you but I didn't back up the registry.

If it's not to much trouble seavixen32 could you post a basic guide on performing a system restore? I've never had to do one before so am unfamiliar with any prompts which may arise.

One last thing which is bothering me though is my external HD will not eject through the usual 'safely remove hardware' option. The only choice is to unplug after the laptop has been shut down. Not at all a hinderance but a slight annoyance. Could this be related to my messing around with the registry?

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